Fire danger: When do you leave?

Homeowners face question as more fires break out

When a small brush fire broke out in Rossmoor Park along the American River Parkway on Friday afternoon, crews not only had to contend with the flying embers and the falling trees, but there were park visitors walking right into the fire's path.

"I had a lot of citizens even walking out into the grass area with the fire burning, and I had to get on my P.A. to tell them to get out of the area," said Charles Jenkins, a battalion chief for Sacramento Metro Fire.

In the wake of the Colorado wildfires that killed two people not able to evacuate fast enough, emergency officials are warning people to take wildfires as a serious threat.

Michael Bailey debated how long he should try to use a garden hose to defend his home near Elverta on Thursday.

"You want to wait to the last minute. I don't want to move everything I got out of here when it might not be necessary," Bailey said while watching fire crews spray down embers behind his home.

The fire near Roseville burned 250 acres Thursday and came within a few feet of Bailey's home and fruit stand.

Bailey said he believed throughout the fire, the "defensible space" made of grass around his home would keep it safe.

But fire crews say you should have a plan prepared and your valuables together, especially if you live in a fire-prone area.

"We want you to evacuate early," said Daniel Berlant, of Cal Fire. "Not only for your safety, but that allows us to free up the roadways so our equipment can get in there."

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